Synopsis: Sixth-grade sleuths Petra and Calder, along with friend Tommy, work to save Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural treasure the Robie House from destruction and investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the house.

General Review:

A follow-up to the art mystery Chasing Vermeer, The Wright 3 features Petra, Calder and Tommy at the end of their sixth-grade year. Their teacher, Ms. Hussey, is horrified to learn that because of financial constraints, the University of Chicago is planning to dismantle the Robie House, a marvel of prairie style architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and display the parts in separate museums. When Ms. Hussey enlists the children’s help in an effort to save the Chicago landmark, the main characters discover mysterious happenings at the house and a coded message left by Wright himself. Like Chasing Vermeer, this book also includes interlocking coincidences, a secret code, and some surprises hidden in Brett Helquist’s wonderful illustrations.

Ms. Hussey taught her students to stand up for what they believe in and take action. Think of an issue you feel strongly about (for example, reducing the amount of trash on school grounds or in the local park). Now come up with an action plan—what will you do to make a difference? Organize kids to pick up trash? Talk to kids at school? Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper? (Standard 3, Benchmark 3; Standard 4, Benchmarks 1 & 2)

Write a persuasive letter from Petra, Calder and Tommy to the University of Chicago explaining why the Robie House is an important piece of architecture and should not be torn apart. (Standard 3, Benchmark 4; Standard 9, Benchmark 1)

Frank Lloyd Wright was known for prairie style architecture. Learn more about Wright, or research other types of architecture or architects and share what you learn with your class. (Standard 2, Benchmarks 1 & 4; Standard 9, Benchmark 1)

SIRS periodical database and World Book Online (free to all schools and libraries) have some excellent articles, including:

Research historic buildings in your own community. Take digital photos and create a “virtual tour” that explains the history of the building. PowerPoint or PhotoStory (free download available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default.mspx ) are great software tools that allow you to create narrated slide shows. (Standard 1, Benchmarks 3 & 5; Standard 3, Benchmark 4; Standard 9, Benchmark 1)

Similar Books for Further Reading

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett (past WAW nominee)

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (winner of both the Newbery Medal and William Allen White Award)

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (Newbery Medal, past WAW nominee)

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base (a picture book mystery with codes and clues hidden in the illustrations)

Short mysteries to be solved: Dr. Quicksolve Mystery books by Jim Sukach